Course Review: The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
- Northwest Links
- Dec 15
- 3 min read
Course Overview
Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — located directly on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, about 40 minutes east of Spokane.
Course Type: Public / resort-access
Par & Yardage: Par 71. Yardage ranges from approximately ~7,132 yards from the championship tees down to ~5,300 yards from the forward tees.
Designer & Opened: Designed by Scott Miller, opened in 1991
Notable Features:
The world-famous floating island green on Hole #14, accessed by boat.
Driving range hitting floating balls directly into Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Mandatory caddies and full-service resort golf experience from start to finish.
Quick Take
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is all about the experience. From the moment you arrive, everything feels elevated: attentive service, pristine presentation, and memorable moments that set it apart from most resort courses in the region.
Purely from a golf architecture standpoint, it’s good but not elite. Where it truly shines is in its atmosphere, polish, and iconic moments. If you’re chasing a bucket-list round with standout visuals and top-tier hospitality, this course delivers. If you’re simply after the best golf for the dollar, there are stronger value plays elsewhere.
Detailed Course Breakdown
Course Difficulty – 6.5/10
The course is playable and approachable for a wide range of skill levels. Yardage is reasonable, fairways are generally generous, and forced carries are limited outside of a few select holes. Caddies help significantly with strategy and green reading, which lowers the difficulty for visiting players.
Who’s it best for?
Mid- to high-handicappers looking for a memorable resort round will feel comfortable here. Low handicappers may enjoy the setting more than the challenge, but still appreciate the conditions and shot variety.
Key challenges:
Several holes where wind off the lake can change club selection quickly.
Greens that are well-maintained and quick, especially in peak season.
A handful of holes where water comes into play more visually than strategically, but still demands attention.
Scenery – 8/10
Lake Coeur d’Alene does a lot of heavy lifting here, and rightly so. Many holes feature beautiful lake views, and the setting feels calm, polished, and distinctly resort-like. While not every hole is jaw-dropping, the overall aesthetic is strong and consistent throughout the round. It’s scenic without feeling overly dramatic, and the island green alone bumps the experience up a notch.
Course Design – 7/10
The design is solid, with a few standout holes and several enjoyable resort-style layouts, but it’s not a course that overwhelms you with architectural brilliance from tee to green.
The island green is the obvious headliner and delivers on its reputation as a truly memorable hole. Beyond that, the course offers variety and fun moments, but fewer holes that demand deep strategic thinking. It’s a course built to be enjoyed rather than endured, with design choices that favor playability and experience over complexity.
Course Conditions & Maintenance – 9/10
Conditions are excellent. Fairways are clean, greens roll true, and the course is immaculately presented. Everything feels intentional and well cared for, from tee boxes to bunkers to green surrounds. This is one of the stronger-condition resort courses you’ll find in the region.
Amenities & Food – 9/10
This is where Coeur d’Alene really separates itself. The pro shop is top-tier, food and beverage options are excellent, and the overall hospitality is among the best you’ll experience at a public-access course. Mandatory caddies, complimentary bag tags, and even on-site massages near the range all add to the feeling that this is more than just a round of golf.
Value for Money – 6/10
There’s no getting around it: this is a pricey round. Between green fees, required caddie fees, and tipping, the total cost adds up quickly. You’re paying for service, conditions, and the iconic experience rather than pure golf value.
If you’re evaluating strictly on quality of golf per dollar, there are better options. If you’re paying for a memorable, once-in-a-while resort experience, the value makes more sense.
Overall Rating – 7.9/10
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course excels as an experience-driven destination. While the course design itself may not rival the very best in the region, the service, presentation, and iconic moments make it a round you’ll remember long after the scorecard is signed.
Best For: Golfers looking for a luxury resort experience, memorable visuals, and a bucket-list round rather than maximum golf value.
Would we recommend? Yes, with context. If you’re in the area and want a standout experience, it’s worth playing at least once. Just know you’re paying for more than the golf itself.
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